Authorities say the workers removed wire cables from job sites, loaded them onto LIRR trucks and then transferred them onto their own vehicles. They say wire was later sold to local recyclers for cash.

Between Jan. 1, 2010 and Jan. 10, 2013, prosecutors said sales of the copper netted the alleged thieves more than $253,000 — money that should have gone to the LIRR, which was in the midst of budget woes, pension scandals, and rising passenger fares, CBS 2’s Jennifer McLogan reported.

Under the program, the company will work with the police to review records and products at metal and scrapyards.

Con Ed says there were 155 copper cable thefts in 2013. The metal was removed from manholes, trucks and company facilities.